2014 News archive

In a contribution to an extraordinary international scientific collaboration the University of Sydney found that genomic 'fossils' of past viral infections are up to thirteen times less common in birds than mammals.

Animals that regulate their body temperature through the external environment may be resilient to some climate change but not keep pace with rapid change, leading to potentially disastrous outcomes for biodiversity.

A research centre exploring new technologies for improving crop yields has been launched today in Canberra. The School of Biological Sciences' Associate Professor Min Chen is Chief Investigator for the Sydney node.

Latest findings from a team led by Professor Rick Shine from the School of Biological Sciences shed light on how those at the frontline of cane toad invasions make more headway than their established counterparts, making them responsible for the species' seemingly unstoppable spread.

Pandas are famously fussy eaters, but new research suggests there is method to their madness, with the animals switching between different species and parts of bamboo plants to maintain a balanced diet and reproduce.

The University of Sydney's School of Biological Sciences has been part of a major collaboration to create Australia's first national strategy to ensure the future of Australia's managed and natural ecosystems.

Dr James Makinson evicts bees from their homes for a good reason—to figure out how they collectively decide on the next place to live. His research on bee communication and consensus-building has been published in this month's issue of Animal Behaviour.

If you are a locust, the most nutritious plant to eat depends on the ambient temperature. Scientists at the School of Biological Sciences have discovered that locusts choose their food, and then where they digest it, according to how hot it is.

Associate Professor Jan Marc passed away last week after a long and brave battle with leukaemia. Jan has been a member of the School since 1992 and was a very popular teacher to countless undergraduate students.

A study published this week by Dr Mathew Crowther and collaborators has found that the systematic poisoning of dingoes - the top predators in the Australian bush - has a deleterious effect on small native mammals.

Ecosystem Science is key to managing our food and water assets. In order to develop a long term plan for ecosystem research and management 'Town-Hall' meetings are being held around the country. Sydney's turn is on Friday 14th March.

An international collaboration of scientists, including from the University of Sydney has solved a historical cold case by revealing that two of the world's most devastating plagues were caused by distinct versions of the same pathogen.

More than 220 marine scientists from across Australia and internationally, including from the University of Sydney, have raised concerns for NSW's marine life if the state government moves to permanently allow recreational fishing in no-take sanctuary zones.

"Are you ready for your close-up?", is the question for the starfish and crabs being photographed by submerged cameras on Sydney's foreshore. The images are part of an innovative project by the University of Sydney, to boost marine life on Sydney's foreshore.